The car kept driving, and the interior was very quiet.
Ji Huaixiang leaned back in her seat, originally intending to nap for a bit. She hadn’t expected to be so exhausted from the past few days of rushing around—she actually fell asleep for real.
A red light appeared ahead. Gu Wujin smoothly brought the car to a stop. He turned his head to the side. The girl was curled up in the passenger seat, fast asleep. The lingering glow of sunset poured in through the windshield and fell across her small face. Her delicate features were bathed in golden light, softened to an almost unreal degree. With her eyes closed, she looked both obedient and peacefully serene.
Gu Wujin extended one finger and gently poked her cheek. The spot his fingertip touched was bouncy and incredibly soft. He poked it lightly a few more times.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
“A-Jin, the banquet is about to start. I’m bringing someone over tonight—want me to bring one for you too?” It was Zhou Zisheng on the line. He’d already heard that Old Master Gu intended to arrange a marriage alliance between Gu Wujin and the youngest daughter of the Bai family, Bai Nini. It was simply too much. He was thinking of helping Gu Wujin find a dance partner.
Gu Wujin glanced at Ji Huaixiang.
“No need.” He kept his voice very low.
“What did you say? A-Jin, you’re too quiet.” Zhou Zisheng found it strange.
“I’ve already found one. That’s it.”
“Huh? What do you mean…”
Before Zhou Zisheng could finish, Gu Wujin hung up directly. His expression remained calm and unruffled as he continued driving.
When Ji Huaixiang woke up, the sky had already darkened. Looking at the car’s interior and the tall figure standing outside the window smoking, she snapped fully awake. Oh no—she had fallen asleep.
“Mr. Gu…” She quickly rolled down the window and called out.
“Awake?”
In the night, the ink-black depth in Gu Wujin’s eyes was even darker than the darkness around them. He walked over to the trash bin, stubbed out his cigarette against it, then returned to the car.
The man slid back in, bringing with him the scent of tobacco and the coolness of the night air. He asked:
“Sleep well?”
In that instant, Ji Huaixiang wished she could immediately fall back asleep.
“I… I didn’t mean to fall asleep. Did I sleep for a long time?” She blinked her sleepy eyes, red lips slightly pursed, voice soft and still carrying the lazy drowsiness of just waking up.
Gu Wujin checked the time. The corner of his thin lips curved.
“Not long. Just forty minutes. The banquet starts in twenty minutes. Let’s go change into formal wear now.”
“Mm, mm.” Ji Huaixiang pressed her lips tightly together to hide her upward-curving smile.
So… he had waited for her for forty minutes.
Gu Wujin brought Ji Huaixiang to a boutique to select a gown.
Ji Huaixiang looked at him, her eyes shimmering with longing.
“Mr. Gu, could you help me pick out a gown?”
“You trust my taste?”
Gu Wujin gave her an unreadable look.
“No.” Ji Huaixiang shook her head. The words that came out were so sweet they could kill: “No matter whether your taste is good or bad, I’ll like whatever you choose.”
Gu Wujin’s sharp, handsome eyebrows lifted slightly, as if pleased. He turned to the store clerk:
“Where are the gowns?”
“The gowns are all over there. Please follow me, both of you.”
The gowns at Chanel were all haute couture—each style only one piece. The clerk pointed to the front section and introduced:
“These are the newest arrivals. Feel free to take a look.”
The Jiang family’s residence was a standalone ultra-luxurious villa perched halfway up the mountain, quite famous in S City.
“Wanwan, are you ready?” Madam Jiang opened the door to Jiang Mengwan’s room and walked in. Seeing her exquisitely beautiful daughter, she couldn’t help feeling satisfied. “Tonight you’ll be dancing the opening dance with Gu Lü. Don’t be too late.”
“Mm, almost done.” Jiang Mengwan kept her eyes closed, letting the makeup artist dust setting powder over her face.
“Miss Jiang, all finished. Take a look—how do you like it?” The makeup artist stepped aside, allowing Jiang Mengwan to examine her reflection in the mirror.
In the mirror, a beautiful and moving face had been made even more exquisite by the makeup—flawless fair skin, every feature perfectly balanced. Her eyebrows had been groomed and lightened slightly in color, allowing a gentle softness to spill from between them. Her temperament was like an orchid or flowing water, elegant and serene. She had changed into a pale lavender long gown; the fresh, refined color complemented her gentle aura perfectly, making her look like an otherworldly fairy descended to earth.
Madam Jiang felt nothing but full pride seeing her daughter turn out so outstanding.
“Wanwan, make sure you get along well with Gu Lü tonight.”
At every banquet, her daughter Song Chuyun’s child was always the center of attention. Tonight would be no different—her daughter would once again steal the spotlight. Among all the young ladies of S City’s prominent families, none could compare to hers: excellent family background, stunning looks, real talent, and even a promising future as an outstanding perfumer.
The Jiang family had once been the leader in the domestic perfume industry, but in recent years they had been constantly suppressed by their rival, the Long family. To make a comeback, the best path was to form a marriage alliance with the Gu family, the international giant in spices and fragrances. The Gu family’s eldest son was outstanding in both ability and appearance; plenty of prestigious families wanted their daughters to marry into the Gu family.
But so what? Only her daughter was the most suitable candidate to become the future mistress of the Gu family.
“The Gu family’s younger son may look good, but he has no ability—just a idle rich second-generation playboy.” Madam Jiang studied her daughter’s expression as she reminded her, “Your attention should be entirely on the Gu family’s eldest son, Gu Lü. Wanwan, you must remember what kind of man is truly worthy of you.”
When she was little, her daughter had always trailed after the Gu family’s younger son. In junior high, she had even deliberately transferred schools to No. 1 Middle School for his sake. But now that Gu Wujin was becoming more and more outrageous—and a cripple to boot—Madam Jiang absolutely did not support her daughter liking someone like that.
“Mom, I know what to do.” The light in Jiang Mengwan’s eyes dimmed slightly.
“I’m just reminding you. I know you’re a sensible and intelligent child—you’ve always known what you want since you were little.” Madam Jiang smiled with relief. “Alright, see if there’s anything else you need to prepare. I’ve already arranged a car for you; you can leave anytime.”
Jiang Mengwan glanced at the time and nodded.
The Gu family’s Ding Sheng National Group was at the height of its power. Countless companies were desperate for any chance to cooperate. The Gu family’s eldest son was widely acknowledged as the future successor; his birthday banquet was the perfect opportunity for people to climb closer to the Gu family.
The banquet was held at the six-star Ralton Hotel, which had booked an entire floor. Crystal chandeliers hung high, refracting dazzling, enchanting light. The magnificent golden hall was filled with the scent of premium incense. At the entrance, several etiquette ladies in formal gowns smiled and greeted arriving guests. Well-dressed men and women came and went, each exuding an air of refined elegance.
“Young Master Gu, our company’s latest product—I can guarantee no competitor in the industry can match it.” A middle-aged man in a black suit was visibly excited; he hadn’t expected to finally get a chance to speak with the Gu family.
Gu Lü was dressed in a high-end white suit today—exquisite, tailored, perfectly cut. Handsome and graceful, he looked exactly like the white horse prince from a young girl’s dreams. A smile curved his lips.
“I’ll take a look.”
His secretary, Li, stepped forward from behind and took the business card the man offered, tucking it away.
The middle-aged man hadn’t expected to seal an investment deal right at the banquet. Just getting a chance to speak with him was already satisfying.
“Alright, alright, I won’t disturb Young Master Gu any longer.” He tactfully stepped back a few paces and withdrew.
“Big Brother Gu.”
From the other side, a girl in a pale lavender gown approached gracefully, drawing many eyes. She walked slowly toward him.
“Happy birthday.”
Satisfaction flashed in Gu Lü’s eyes. His handsome features softened as he accepted the gift.
“Thank you, Mengwan.” He offered his arm. “The banquet hasn’t officially started yet. Let me take you to the lounge to rest for a bit first.”
Faced with Gu Lü’s thoughtfulness, Jiang Mengwan noticed quite a few sharp, envious glances from around the room. Her pink lips curved slightly as she slipped her hand onto his arm.
“Alright. Thank you for the trouble, Big Brother Gu.”
The black car drove smoothly, the interior quiet.
“You still haven’t looked enough?” The other person’s gaze was so intense that even Gu Wujin found it hard to ignore.
Ji Huaixiang leaned against the seatback, head tilted, staring at him the whole time. The man had changed into a perfectly tailored black suit that made his tall, upright figure even more striking and elongated. His bangs were tousled, adding a touch of wildness. His refined, sharp features were clearly defined, his expression cool and distant with a hint of ice—yet he was devastatingly handsome.
“Not enough.” Ji Huaixiang shook her head, refusing to look away even a fraction. “Mr. Gu, you’re really good-looking.” She praised him openly and generously.
Gu Wujin’s cold face warmed slightly.
“I feel like I could look at you for a lifetime and never get tired.” Ji Huaixiang’s eyes were bright and sparkling, staring at him with complete abandon.
Gu Wujin’s face had only been a little warm at first, but after hearing that line, a flush crept up to the tips of his ears—half embarrassment, half annoyance—as he said, “Woman, don’t be so superficial.”
Ji Huaixiang let out a light laugh. Her shimmering black eyes seemed to carry little hooks designed to seduce, her gaze overflowing with charm.
“Mm. Mr. Gu, I really like both your outer appearance and your inner self.”
The hand gripping the steering wheel twitched. Gu Wujin kept his eyes fixed straight ahead, refusing to look at the girl beside him—who right now seemed like a little enchantress. He lifted his refined chin slightly, deliberately ignoring the increasingly chaotic beat of his heart.
“No matter how much you drool over me, I’m still a man you can’t have.” After a pause, he added one more line: “For now.”
Ji Huaixiang couldn’t hold back anymore. She burst into laughter—soft, sweet, and绵绵 (lingering and tender), like little claws scratching at someone’s heart, making it unbearably itchy.
By the time the car arrived at the hotel, the banquet had already begun.
Gu Wujin walked to Ji Huaixiang’s side and looked down at her.
“Hold onto my arm.”
Ji Huaixiang tilted her head up to meet his gaze.
“Then… Mr. Gu, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you tonight.”
“Hmph. Who’s the one being troubled tonight—we’ll only know at the end.” Gu Wujin’s gaze shifted toward the hotel entrance, his eyes deepening. “I’m reminding you: if you want to leave now, there’s still time. Once you step through that door, Ji Huaixiang, no matter how wronged, how scared, or how regretful you feel later, it won’t matter anymore.”
Ji Huaixiang immediately slipped her arm through his and leaned against him.
“Mr. Gu, in this world, aside from the fact that you don’t like me yet—and that I haven’t made you like me—there’s nothing else that could make me feel wronged, scared, or regretful.”
Gu Wujin’s entire body stiffened for a moment. He stared into Ji Huaixiang’s eyes—clear, transparent, utterly open and honest. After a long pause, he tightened his arm around her, his gaze growing darker.
“Let’s go in.”
For the birthday of the Gu family’s eldest young master, representatives from S City’s Zhou family, Fang family, and Qin family had all arrived.
Zhou Zisheng, Fang Zheng, and Qin Hao—usually carefree and sloppy—were today dressed impeccably in suits and ties, looking strikingly handsome. After greeting Gu Lü, they sat on the lounge sofas with their dates.
“Zisheng, why hasn’t A-Jin arrived yet?” Qin Hao straightened his tie. “He’s not… scared of that crazy girl from the Bai family, is he?”
Zhou Zisheng leaned back on the sofa and took a drag of his cigarette.
“I called him earlier. He should still be on the way.”
Fang Zheng glanced around.
“The Bai family hasn’t shown up yet either.” He sneered. “They actually dare to try marrying their daughter off to A-Jin. Aren’t they afraid he’ll kill her?” After all, they had all seen just how ruthless Gu Wujin could be when pushed.
“Heh, tonight’s going to be a good show.” Fang Zheng didn’t seem concerned at all. Who could possibly make Gu Wujin suffer? He certainly hadn’t seen anyone do it yet.
Just as the group was chatting animatedly, Gu Wujin appeared with Ji Huaixiang on his arm—immediately drawing every eye in the room.
“He’s here.” Qin Hao looked toward the entrance. “Tsk tsk, when did A-Jin get himself a new girlfriend?”
Zhou Zisheng followed the crowd’s gaze. When he saw that the woman standing beside Gu Wujin was Ji Huaixiang, the corner of his mouth curved up.
“Interesting.” This time, it looked like Gu Wujin had really fallen.
“Huh? It’s Miss Ji?” Fang Zheng’s eyes widened. He knew it—last time at dinner, Gu Wujin had deliberately chased him away just so he could spend time alone with Ji Huaixiang to build their connection. What a sly bastard.
“Are they all looking at me?” Ji Huaixiang whispered to the man beside her. She could hear the guests’ sharp intakes of breath in surprise. “Am I too pretty?” She lifted her chin proudly, face perfectly serious.
Gu Wujin’s thin lips curved.
“No. They’re looking at us. After all, they don’t get many chances to feast their eyes like this.”
Hearing the man’s deadpan teasing, laughter filled Ji Huaixiang’s eyes, and the tension in her heart inexplicably melted away.
Gu Wujin led Ji Huaixiang over to Old Master Gu.
“Grandfather, this is my girlfriend, Ji Huaixiang.” He introduced her directly. “Huaixiang, say hello.”
Ji Huaixiang tightened her hold on Gu Wujin’s arm. Her clear, shimmering black eyes instantly sparkled with countless tiny stars, bursting with bright light. Her red lips lifted high in the sweetest, most radiant smile—even the upturned corners of her eyes were filled with joy.
“Hello, Grandfather Gu.”
“Stop. Don’t call me that randomly.” Old Master Gu’s face tightened. His sharp, intelligent eyes blazed with anger as he glared at Gu Wujin. “Are you trying to make me die of anger? I already told you—you cannot bring this kind of improper woman to the banquet. Get her out of here right now.”
The smile froze on Ji Huaixiang’s face. She looked toward Gu Wujin.
“Grandfather, she is my girlfriend.” Gu Wujin tugged at his thin lips. “Not some ‘improper woman’ as you put it.”
“Then she’s still low-class trash.” Old Master Gu’s voice rose sharply. “Do you even know what you’re doing? Do you want to become the laughingstock of the entire room?”
“A-Jin, don’t upset Grandfather.” Gu Lü strode over with Jiang Mengwan on his arm. When he saw the woman standing beside Gu Wujin, his face filled with clear disapproval.
“Brother, happy birthday.” From start to finish, Gu Wujin never once let go of Ji Huaixiang’s hand. He raised an eyebrow and said, “It’s not me upsetting Grandfather. It’s him forcing something unreasonable on me.”
Old Master Gu, mindful of his eldest grandson’s birthday and all the eyes watching, let some of his anger subside.
“I don’t care what you’re up to right now. When the Bai family arrives later, keep your distance from this woman.”
“Grandfather, who knows what the Bai family’s real intentions or attitude are? Why should I go fawning over them? Has the Gu family really fallen so low that the second young master has to throw himself at them?”
Gu Wujin gave a cold laugh, completely ignoring the way Old Master Gu’s and Gu Lü’s faces instantly darkened. He turned to Ji Huaixiang and said, “I’m hungry. Let’s go get something to eat.”
“He—” Old Master Gu’s face turned livid, the worst it had looked all evening.
Gu Lü quickly tried to soothe him.
“Grandfather, don’t be angry. A-Jin is just having trouble accepting it right now—he’s upset. Don’t we know his temper by now…?”
Off to the side, Jiang Mengwan was still too stunned to recover. The woman standing next to Gu Wujin was… Ji Huaixiang? How could that be possible?
The long buffet table was laden with all kinds of exquisite dishes—variety upon variety, enough to dazzle the eyes.
Looking at the beautifully presented, mouthwatering food, Ji Huaixiang was genuinely starving. She had only eaten a little on the plane, and it had long since digested.
“Take whatever you like.” Gu Wujin noticed the tiny motion of her swallowing saliva. The sharpness in his eyes softened a fraction.
Ji Huaixiang lifted her head, looked at him, and smiled brightly.
“It’s only natural for a boyfriend to get food for his girlfriend.”
Gu Wujin choked for a second. She wasn’t shy at all—and she adapted to the role lightning-fast.
Afraid he might back out, Ji Huaixiang tilted her head and spoke earnestly:
“There’s a saying that a gentleman’s word is his bond—once said, even four horses can’t chase it back. And any man who goes back on his word is a scumbag, a big pig trotter. Mr. Gu, I believe you’re definitely not that kind of person, right?”
Gu Wujin lowered his gaze to her. Hidden in the girl’s dark eyes was an unconscious trace of nervousness and hesitation—as if one denial from him would make those expressive eyes spill over with tears.
“Hmph.” Gu Wujin gave a low hum. “Don’t worry. My character is impeccable.”
“Mm-hmm, I know. My boyfriend has the highest morals and purest character.” Ji Huaixiang’s eyes sparkled with little stars, twinkling nonstop. “So just pick whatever for me—I’m not picky at all. I’m really easy to take care of.” She seized the chance to advertise her good points.
Amusement crept into Gu Wujin’s eyes. His low, elegant voice carried a hint of gentleness:
“You’re already so eager to sell yourself?”
“Yes. You’ve already received the goods now—good or bad, no returns allowed.” Ji Huaixiang’s eyes curved into crescents, impossibly beautiful. “Boyfriend, I’m hungry. Your girlfriend needs you to feed her.”
Gu Wujin realized that ever since she had confessed that day, her attacks had been relentless. His defenses were practically crumbling at a touch. He surrendered, giving up resistance. Letting his heart pound wildly—thump, thump, thump—he said, “Wait here. I’ll get it for you.”
Then, under countless stunned gazes, Gu Wujin—limping slightly—carefully selected food for his companion.
Gu Wujin carried the plate and led Ji Huaixiang over to the lounge area.
“You guys move to the other side,” he ordered Zhou Zisheng and the others directly.
Zhou Zisheng, still dazed, pulled his date and scooted over to Fang Zheng’s side.
“I only got these. See if you like them.” Gu Wujin had Ji Huaixiang sit right beside him. He placed the plate of food in front of her, his tone a little stiff and unnatural.
“You’re so good. I like everything you picked.” Ji Huaixiang’s smile never faded—bright and dazzling.
A flicker of laughter passed through Gu Wujin’s pitch-black eyes. The tips of his ears gradually turned red.
“Tsk tsk, this public display of affection is almost lethal,” Qin Hao said, recovering first. “A-Jin, mind introducing her?” This was the first time he’d seen any woman get this close to Gu Wujin. He looked curiously at Ji Huaixiang—the woman’s upturned eyes were seductive; anyone with even slightly less self-control would stare until their eyes went straight.
Gu Wujin lowered his head and caught the eager, expectant look in Ji Huaixiang’s eyes. His thin lips curved slightly.
“My girlfriend, Ji Huaixiang.”
Ji Huaixiang tried hard to press down her wildly upturned red lips. She attempted to school her expression, hiding the smug pride she could barely contain.
“Hello, everyone. I’m Gu Wujin’s girlfriend.” She emphasized it again.
What should she do? The joy inside her was so full it was about to burst. If earlier it had been like a wave rising in the sea, now her happiness was a raging tsunami—surging, overwhelming, unstoppable.